Mastenbrook Grants: Good for Parks

A source of funds for ideas in parks

There is no shortage of great ideas, however without a bit of
organization and financial backing many ideas never become reality.
That's where the Fairfax County Park Authority's Mastenbrook Grant
Program makes a difference.

Mastenbrook Grants provide limited matching funds for projects in
Fairfax County parks. Since 1999, more than 120 Mastenbrook Grant
projects have been completed. There have been dog parks, playgrounds,
athletic fieilds and shade gardens constructed as well as tree
plantings.

In 1998, John Mastenbrook, a 21-year veteran of the Fairfax County
Park Authority Board, suggested the creation of a grant program to
encourage public and private ventures that would improve Fairfax County
parks and park facilities. The program's aim was to fill a gap between
limited bond funding and the community's desire for new neighborhood
facilities. This concept became the Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching
Fund Grant Program which has been well-received by the public and
has resulted in wonderful ideas coming to life.

Individuals or groups can apply for capital development funds for
local park projects. This is a flexible program which allows volunteers
to match funds or provide in-kind services. The target maximum amount
of grant funding is $20,000 per project, and matching funds cannot
exceed 50% of the total project cost. Individuals or groups can apply
for capital development funds for a local park project. Each individual
or group may be approved for more than one project per fiscal year, as
long as the combined amounts of the approved grant funding does not
exceed $20,000.

Each application is reviewed by park staff, which then makes a
recommendation to the Park Authority Board. The Board makes the final
decision on funding. The proposed projects must address Park Authority
needs and must serve the general public. Project designs must meet all
Park Authority standards and code requirements.

Neighborhood and housing associations, environmental groups, sports
leagues, Boy Scouts, churches and individuals have received Mastenbrook
funds for projects. For more information, contact the Park Operations
Division at 703-324-8591.

This program allows individuals or groups to request capital
development funds to match volunteer group resources for projects
to improve Fairfax County Park Authority parks and park
facilities. The goal is to assist volunteers in improving county
parks by matching their funds/in-kind services.

WHEN:

Applications for grant funds will be accepted at any time and
will end when the funds are exhausted. Funding comes from the
Park Bond Program, approved by county citizens through referendum
in November 1998. Note: Projects that were begun
or completed prior to receiving Park Authority approval are not
eligible for Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program
funds.

WHERE:

Projects must take place in a Fairfax County Park
Authority park or facility

WHY:

This matching grant fund program for volunteer projects was
first suggested by John Mastenbrook during the development of the
1998 Park Bond Program. Mr. Mastenbrook, a longtime park
advocate, served on the Park Authority Board for 21 years. His
vision was to establish a source of funds to match volunteer
funds or in-kind services in an effort to encourage
public/private ventures that improved county parks.

Park Authority staff will review each project and make
recommendations to the Park Authority Board, which will make the
final decision on funding. Projects will be reviewed using the
following criteria:

Proposals will be accepted anytime and ending when the
funds are exhausted.

Proposals will receive a response within 60 days of
receipt. In situations where a park master plan modification is
required, projects may be approved contingent upon
final approval of the master plan.

Proposed projects must address Park Authority service
needs.

Completed park improvement projects must be available
to the general public.